Kheema Pav is as versatile as us Indians! It has as many versions as there are communities in India. This ever-present snack/breakfast is highly underrated. The minced meat preparation features your basic ingredients like onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of whole spices. The variations show up in the marinade, the level of spice, and the overall quality of the meat.
So, let’s take a look at where you can find the best Kheema Pav in Mumbai.
1. Hotel Grant House:
Kheema Pav is the pride of this 67-year-old Fort lunch home that serves a mix of Maharashtrian and Andhra fare. The kheema arrives in less than five minutes on your table from a slow-cooked copper handi. In fact, the kheema here is so good that its recipe has been kept a secret all these years. Good reason to visit, eh?
Cuisine: North Indian, Malwani, Seafood
Types offered: Bheja Fry, Sol Kadi, Seafood, Caramel Custard, Biryani, Chicken
Timings: Monday-Saturday: 7am – 11pm; Sunday: Closed
Location: Police station, next to Haj House, near MRA Marg, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai 400001
Cost for two: Rs. 600
2. Cafe Military:
This Irani eatery serves a plate of kheema with the perfect amount of spices so that the flavor of mutton dominates the entire dish. It is served with two unbuttered pavs, sliced onions, and lime wedges. Moderately portioned Kheema Pav is part of the daily fare as opposed to the rest of its rotating menu. But keep in mind that it is to be consumed as a snack and not a whole meal.
Cuisine: Parsi, Fast Food
Types offered: Boneless Mutton Biriyani, Chicken Salli, Kheema Fry, Kheema Ghotala, Raspberry Soda, Salli Boti
Timings: Monday-Saturday: 8:30am – 9:30pm; Sunday: Closed
Location: Alli Chambers, Nagindas Master Road, Fort, Mumbai 400001
Cost for two: Rs. 500
3. Sindhful:
The Sindhi food specialists here prepare a gravy-rich mutton kheema which is flavoured with tomatoes, garlic and coriander. The mince is also heavily perfumed with whole spices and chilli, which guarantees sniffles for all. Also, the kheema pairs perfectly with rice and not just pav.
Cuisine: Sindhi, North Indian, Chinese
Types offered: Sindhi Mutton Curry, Potato Cutlets, Arbi Tuk, Mutton Keema Pav, Sai Bhaji, Sindhi Kadi
Timings: Monday-Sunday, 11am – 11:30pm
Location: Haji Mansion, Shop no.6, Same Lane As, 5th Road, Social, Khar West, Mumbai 400052
Cost for two: Rs. 300
4. Cafe Excelsior:
At this cosy Fort-based Irani café, you have to wait less than five minutes to receive a nice, comforting plate of kheema pav. This prompt service is proof that this dish is one of their bestselling items. Also, while other eateries serve kheema pav with a side of lime wedges, here it is pre squeezed into the green-colored mutton mince flavoring it with coriander, curry leaves, and green chillies. Another difference is that they serve house-baked bread as opposed to pav.
Cuisine: Parsi, Fast Food
Types offered: Mutton Cutlet Gravy, Mutton Pattice, Sali Boti, Chicken Dhansak, Mutton Dhansak, Bread Pudding
Timings: Monday-Sunday, 9am – 8:30pm
Location: Kitab Mahal, 23, AK Nayak Marg, opp. Excelsior Cinema, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai 400001
Cost for two: Rs. 800
5. Social:
This chain of bars must be an unconventional choice for kheema pav; however, they have some of the most delicious kheema pavs in the entire city. It is served with rich buttered pavs, with the aromas of whole spices from the kheema reaching you before the food is even served. You will surely not have a hard time mopping up all of the kheema with their tender pavs.
Cuisine: North Indian, Chinese
Types offered: Mushroom Samosa, Achmeds Mezze Platter, Taco Soup, Crispy Potato Skin, Chicken Paratha, Oreo Mud Pot
Timings: Monday-Sunday, 9am – 1:30am
Location: B K Boman Behram Marg Shop 24, Ground Floor, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai 400001
Cost for two: Rs. 1700
6. Prithvi Café:
Located within the city’s beloved theater venues, this café has made a name for itself with its well-priced snacks. They serve a generous portion of kheema pav that is high on spice and grease. This preparation is definitely not for the faint of heart!
Cuisine: North Indian, Fast Food
Types offered: Apple CinnaMonday Muffin, Mix Paratha, Amritsari Masala Kulcha, Plain Croissant, Irish Shake, Chocolate Chip Waffle
Timings: Monday-Sunday, 10:30am – 10:30pm
Location: 20, Janki Kutir Apartment, Alongside Prithvi Theatre, Juhu Church Road, Mumbai 400049
Cost for two: Rs. 600
7. Kyani & Co:
While kheema is known to be spicy and extremely flavorful, we do have to keep in mind the palates of those who are unaccustomed to spice, which is exactly what this eatery does. The kheema here is probably the blandest out of all the eateries listed. Before being fried and served, the mince is marinated with ginger-garlic paste, onions, tomatoes, and curd.
Cuisine: Street Food, Fast Food
Types offered: Chicken Cheese Bhurji, Chicken Sali Boti, Chicken Irani Kebab, Rum Ball, Chicken Salami Sandwich, Raspberry Drink
Timings: Monday-Sunday, 8am – 7pm
Location: Jer Mahal Estate, 657, Jagannath Shankar Seth Road, opp. Metro Inox Theatre, Dhobi Talao, Marine Lines, Mumbai 400002
Cost for two: Rs. 300
8. Koolar & Co:
This Matunga Irani café has kheema pav as one of its priciest items and yet it is the most popular on their menu. The demand for this dish starts as early as 7am throughout the week. Also, for the health freaks out there, we've got you covered! The kheema here is notably low on grease and oil.
Cuisine: Street Food, Fast Food, Iranian & Parsi
Types offered: Brun Maska, Chicken Omelette, Caramel Pudding, Chicken Puff, Mutton Kheema, Sunny Side
Timings: Monday-Saturday: 7am – 11pm; Sunday: 6am – 11pm
Location: 541, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Road, Matunga East, Mumbai 400019
Cost for two: Rs. 400
9. Stadium:
This neat little Irani café has a fiery mutton kheema that causes a slow burn at the back of the throat. If you want to prevent it, opt for the ghotala version of kheema, which is kheema with scrambled eggs in it. It is a tastier and creamier option with the thick, soft paves that are beyond reproach.
Cuisine: Street Food, Fast Food, North Indian & Chinese
Types offered: Chicken Omelette, Brun Maska, Kheema Pao, Mawa Cake, Mutton Kheema, Keema
Timings: Monday-Sunday, 8am – 11pm
Location: Railway Station, Stadium, 76, Veer Nariman Road, near Churchgate, Churchgate, Mumbai 400020
Cost for two: Rs. 500
10. Pack-a-Pav:
This chain of sandwich shops serves a unique version of the traditional kheema pav. Between pavs, the coarsely ground and minced meat was slathered in chili garlic sauce and basil, with hung curd. It has a hint of whole spices and a final garnish of caramelized onions that elevates this dish to another level.
Cuisine: Street Food, Fast Food & North Indian
Types offered: Shammi Pav, Irani Chicken Pav, Herb Chicken, Mushroom, Butter Chicken, Snacks
Timings: Monday-Tuesday: 12pm – 12am; Wednesday-Sunday: 11am – 3am
Location: Pali Hill, Mumbai 400050
Cost for two: Rs. 150